Skin conditions like acne, keloids, allergies, and shingles may cause raised skin bumps. Bumps may also occur with more severe health conditions that require medical attention, such as MRSA, cellulitis, or cancer.
Raised skin bumps are very common and harmless in most cases. They may vary in appearance and number depending on the cause.Skin bumps may be the same color as your skin or a different color. They may be itchy, large, or small. Some can be hard, while others can feel soft and movable.
Most skin bumps do not need treatment. However, it’s important that you speak with a healthcare professional if your bumps are causing discomfort, like burning pain and persistent itching. It’s also recommended that you contact them if you’re concerned about any changes in your bumps or the overall condition of your skin.
Acne
- commonly located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back
- skin breakouts typically blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful cysts and nodules
- may leave scars or darken the skin if untreated
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It causes skin bumps that can range from very small and painless to large and painful. The bumps are usually accompanied by redness and swelling.
Learn about the types of acne and how to treat them.
Contact dermatitis
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appears a few hours to days after contact with an allergen or irritant
presents a visible rash with borders and appears where your skin came in contact with an irritating substance
itchy, scaly, or raw skin
red in light skin and darker brown, purple, or gray in dark skin.
blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty
Contact dermatitis is a condition that causes an itchy, red rash when your skin comes in contact with an allergen (like poison ivy) or irritant (like bleach). The rash may consist of raised, red bumps that ooze, drain, or crust.
Learn about contact dermatitis treatments.
Keratosis pilaris
- most often seen on the arms and legs but might also occur on the face, buttocks, or torso
- patches of skin that appear bumpy, slightly red or discolored, and feel rough to the touch
- may get worse in dry weather
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition marked by an overgrowth of a protein called keratin. It causes small bumps around hair follicles on the body. The condition often clears up on its own by your mid-20s.
Learn more about how keratosis pilaris may appear on darker skin.
Bulla
- clear, watery, fluid-filled blister that is greater than 1 centimeter (cm) in size
- if clear liquid turns milky, there might be an infection
Bullae (plural of bulla) are raised, fluid-filled bumps that can result from friction or conditions like contact dermatitis and chickenpox. They usually go away within a week, but it’s advised that you see a doctor if they become infected or need to be drained.
Learn more about fluid-filled blisters.
Cherry angioma
- can be anywhere on the body but is most common on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders
- small, bright red or purple circular or oval spots that may be raised or flat
- may bleed if rubbed or scratched
- generally harmless but may require removal if they’re in problem areas
Cherry angiomas are common skin growths that can form in most areas of the body. They develop when blood vessels clump together, creating a raised, bright-red bump under or on the skin. They appear with increasing age, often starting in your 20s or 30sTrusted Source.
Corns and calluses
- small circles of thickened skin with a painful, horn-like central area of hardened tissue
- commonly found on the tops and sides of the toes and on the soles of the feet
- also possible in the hands
Corns or calluses are rough, thickened areas of skin caused by friction and pressure. They’re most often found on the feet and hands.
Learn how to get rid of corns at home.
Cyst
- slow-growing bump under the skin that has a smooth surface
- can be large or small and is usually painless
- typically not a problem unless it’s infected, very large, or growing in a sensitive area
- some grow deep inside your body where you can’t see or feel them
Cysts are growths that contain fluid, air, or other substances. They develop under your skin in any part of your body. They feel like a small ball, and you can usually move them around slightly.
Discover how home remedies might help with cysts.
Keloids
- develops at the site of a previous injury
- lumpy or rigid area of skin that may be painful or itchy
- area is flesh-colored, pink, or red
Keloids are smooth, raised growths that form around scars. They’re most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, and cheeks. They’re similar to hypertrophic scars but can grow to be much larger than the original wound.
Learn how to help reduce the appearance of keloids.
Lipoma
